America is also lagging behind in this aspect! The U.S. Navy's aircraft carrier CVN-78 Ford has not launched the fifth-generation F-35C fighter jets at sea, and there are no plans to deploy them in the next few years. This has already fallen behind the Chinese Navy.
The electromagnetic catapult system (EMALS) and the advanced electromagnetic arresting gear (AAG) used on the Ford, currently only accommodate the F/A-18E/F fighter jets. Because the takeoff and landing characteristics of the F-35C are completely different from those of the F/A-18E/F, including different takeoff and landing speed requirements, takeoff and landing weight, overall center of gravity, tailhook design, etc. The parameters for catapulting and landing must be readjusted, and both hardware and software algorithms need to be adapted. If the adaptability is insufficient, it not only poses a risk of accidents but is also likely to cause damage to the airframe structure or the catapult motor. During early testing of the Ford's electromagnetic catapult system, it was clearly stated that the E-2D airborne early warning aircraft had insufficient catapult efficiency, and the F-35C is similar. In addition, the electromagnetic arresting gear on the Ford previously experienced frequent failures due to software malfunctions.
Additionally, the F-35C fighter jet requires more complex maintenance, including the maintenance of stealth coatings and calibration of avionics systems. The Ford must upgrade relevant facilities, tools, equipment, and space allocation must meet standards, and the maintenance workshop must be compatible with the repair requirements of the F-35C. Additionally, the F-35C is the first naval aircraft in the world to use lithium-ion batteries, so it needs a special compartment for storing flammable batteries, and fire protection and ventilation equipment need to be specially made. The Ford completed its first routine deployment from late 2023 to early 2024, originally planned as the first carrier to carry the F-35C.
The U.S. Navy originally planned for the Ford to complete the integration of the F-35C by 2026, but in a series of documents in 2024, it canceled this requirement. Currently, the U.S. Navy has only three carriers—Lincoln, Carl Vinson, and Washington—that have the full capability to deploy the F-35C. The next planned upgrades are the Reagan of the Nimitz class and the Kennedy of the Ford class. However, these two carriers may continue to face delays.
Original source: www.toutiao.com/article/1844568571053056/
Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author.